A Rutherglen actor and theatre director has been honoured with a doctorate.

Dave Anderson, who has appeared in the likes of Gregory’s Girl, Still Game, City Lights and Doctor Who, became a doctor of letters at Glasgow University last week.

Others being recognised on the day included singer Karine Polwart, comedian Susan Calman and broadcaster Andrew Neil.

Dave, who grew up near McCallum Avenue, told the Reformer: “It was all a bit surreal, but a great honour. It’s not something that I ever expected, but it reminded me that my younger brother went to Canada and worked for years to get a doctorate and then I got one right there. You do wonder what the hell you have done to deserve it!”

Making the degree extra special was that Dave was joined by his family for the occasion.

He said: “All my siblings came over for it – it was the first time all five of us had been together in 18 years. My sister came from Vancouver, another from California and we had a wee do afterwards in Oran Mor.”

The doctorate recognised Dave’s acting work on and offstage, notably with the 7:84 company and Wildcat Theatre, before he helped establish the popular A Play, A Pie And A Pint scheme at Oran Mor.

Dave Anderson onstage with Katie Barnett in Butterfly Kiss

On the day Professor Carl Lavery hailed Dave, saying: “Like the man himself, Dave makes theatre that is warm, funny, generous, political and, above all, popular – in the true sense of that word – from and for the people.”

He is always keen to return to his roots, though.

He added: “I play the Town Hall from time to time- I remember going to dances there as a teenager.

“I remember it was threatened with demolition in the 1980s, and there was talk of tearing it down. I’m glad that didn’t happen. We should be pleased we still have it.”